Assistive software funded through the Disabled Students’ Allowance: consultation response

On Tuesday 16 June 2026, we responded to a consultation on assistive software funded through the Disabled Students’ Allowance. The consultation sought the opinions of the sector on its proposals to move to a funding model which assumed free assistive software would generally meet the needs of disabled students.

Our response opposes many of the proposals, where we emphasise the limitations of free assistive software and the equality impact of such plans. We’ll keep an eye out on the outcomes of the consultation, and once the funding model is formalised, we’ll inform you if some of our suggestions have been implemented.

Here’s our response to the consultation on behalf of our members.